No starting power

[Paintboss67]

Guys, I have an 81sc that I just changed the fuel pump in. I now have no starting power? I have power to the pump and all lights but car will not crank. Any ideas?

[Bob Kontak]

Won't crank but does the starter (solenoid) click?

Battery charge may be tired.

[patz]

if it clicks, whack the solenoid with a wrench or Bob's head.

[Paintboss67]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

Won't crank but does the starter (solenoid) click?

Battery charge may be tired.

I put a charger on it for extra boost. The starter does not click

[patz]

Something is loose.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by patz

if it clicks, whack the solenoid with a wrench or Bob's head.

It can click but not spin without required amperage OR a poor connection (same result).

A better way to say it is the engine tries to turn but can't.

Edit: Oh Jeez, it's Mikey.

[JOHN21BLACK]

Did you disconnect your battery when you change pump? Check your ground cable on battery.

[Paintboss67]

I did check both terminals for good contact. I wonder if I should check power to starter?

[ossiblue]

Originally Posted by Paintboss67

I did check both terminals for good contact. I wonder if I should check power to starter?

The solenoid clicks, so it is "apparently" working but it still may be faulty. Get under the car and use a wide bladed screwdriver to jump the two large studs on the back of the solenoid--the one with the battery cable and the one with the braided wire that goes to the starter. If the starter runs when you jump those two terminals, the solenoid is the faulty part. If the starter still doesn't run, or runs slowly, then you have an issue either with the power to the terminal from the battery, loosened ground connections, or the starter itself is faulty.

[Quicksilver]

Another little information gathering exercise is to turn on the headlights and see if the lights dim when you crank. That will tell you if the starter is able to pull the power. If it doesn't dim at all then the power isn't getting there. Think loose cable, bad connection, toasty solenoid, or even the starter brushes.